Machias -

MACHIAS – Blueberry East Food Ventures, a Washington County blueberry initiative, is exploring the creation of a food processing facility, with the focus of adding value to the blueberry harvest, enabling local growers to develop new markets. Other uses might include co-packing other food producersâ€™ products or a shared use facility that would allow other food producers to utilize the space to manufacture their products.

The initiative is spearheaded by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, with advice from a community based advisory council that consist of local farmers and blueberry growers, staff from Washington County Community College, Down East Business Alliance, Maine Organic Food Growers Association, the Down East Salmon Federation among others.

â€śMaine Coast Heritage Trust is so excited to be part of this project to create a processing facility in Washington County,â€ť Melissa Lee of MCHT said. â€śWe are relying on participation by community members, both agricultural producers and consumers, to help us create a viable project that will both enhance economic development and foster healthy eating.â€ť

MCHT is seeking feedback from growers, producers and other interested parties about their interest in such a facility. A brief survey is available on the DBA website at www.downeastbiz.org. If you cannot access the survey online or need further information, contact DBA Director Keith Small at 664-2424, ext. 4453 or email ksmall@whcacap.org.